By Kacper Lopata

The Average Cost Of PC Hardware in 2024 | Analysis & Report

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the costs associated with buying, building, or upgrading a PC to meet the minimum and recommended hardware specifications for the top 10 best-selling PC games of 2024.

Using data from the Steam Hardware Survey and game developer recommendations, this analysis highlights the investment needed for consumers to enjoy modern gaming experiences at various performance levels.

In this article...

  1. Average PC Build Costs Based on Steam Hardware Survey
  2. How Much Does a Gaming PC Cost?
  3. How Much RAM Do I Need?
  4. What Processor Do I Need?
  5. Game-Specific Hardware Requirements and Costs
  6. How Much Do Peripherals Cost?
  7. Hardware Price Trends Over Time
  8. Final Thoughts

Average PC Build Costs Based on Steam Hardware Survey

Component

Cost (USD)

Cost (GBP)

GPU

$339

£270

CPU

$200

£160

RAM

$50

£40

Storage

$200

£160

Monitor

$200

£160

Dual Monitor

$400

£319

Motherboard

$160

£127

Total

$1,549

£1,236

How Much Does a Gaming PC Cost?

The cost of a gaming PC varies greatly depending on your performance needs.

On average, you can expect to spend around £1193 for a setup that meets the recommended specifications for the top 10 best-selling PC games of 2024.

This price includes budget options for gaming accessories such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse and cooling system.

These figures can vary depending on where you purchase your components and any sales or discounts available. But let’s dive deeper into each component and its importance.

How Much RAM Do I Need?

Minimum and Recommended RAM Specifications

When it comes to RAM, having more is generally beneficial, particularly for gaming.

The minimum recommended RAM is 8GB, but for optimal performance, especially with modern games, 16GB to 32GB is usually recommended.

This ensures smoother gameplay and better overall system performance when multitasking.

RAM

Cost (USD)

Cost (GBP)

8GB

$25

£20

16GB

$64

£50

32GB 

$166

£130

What Processor Do I Need?

The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is frequently dubbed the heart of any gaming PC due to its critical role in dictating the overall performance and capabilities of the system.

In gaming, the processor is responsible for executing the instructions of a game’s code, ranging from processing the logic and physics of the game environment to managing real-time player inputs and AI behaviours of non-player characters.

The speed and efficiency with which a CPU can process these tasks directly influence the smoothness and responsiveness of gameplay.

A robust CPU facilitates faster and more complex computations, which is essential for modern games that demand real-time high-resolution graphics and extensive simulations.

This is particularly important in games with vast open worlds or intense multiplayer environments, where the number of simultaneous actions can be very high.

A powerful processor ensures better compatibility with high-performance graphics cards, enabling them to deliver their full potential without being bottlenecked by the CPU’s processing speed.

The evolution of gaming platforms and technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has placed even greater demands on processing power.

These immersive technologies require the CPU to handle large amounts of data and perform numerous calculations swiftly to maintain an immersive experience without lag, which could break the sense of presence in virtual environments.

It is also integral in supporting other crucial components like RAM for multitasking and SSDs for quick data retrieval.

Thus, investing in a high-quality processor not only enhances a gaming PC's performance but also ensures that it can handle future games and applications, solidifying the CPU's status as the central pillar of gaming systems.

Average Minimum CPU: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5

Average Recommended CPU: Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7/9

Cost Analysis

Intel i5: £100 - £280

The Intel i5 processor range offers a solid performance for mainstream gaming and computing tasks.

At its lower price point, you can acquire a capable processor suitable for average gaming needs.

As you move towards the higher end of the price spectrum, the enhanced features and increased power can handle more intensive applications and multitasking, making it a versatile choice for various users.

AMD Ryzen 5: £200 - £320

The AMD Ryzen 5, particularly the R5 5600 model, stands out as the epitome of value in gaming processors.

Although it commands a higher price than many entry-level options, the investment is justified by its superior performance and efficiency.

It's the go-to choice for gamers seeking the best balance between cost and high-level gaming capability.

Intel i7: £210 - £320

Intel's i7 processors don’t dip into the budget range, with even the more affordable options being quite robust.

These processors are designed for those who need more power than an i5 can offer, supporting higher-end gaming, intense multitasking, and demanding applications without a significant jump in price.

This makes it ideal for serious gamers and professional users.

AMD Ryzen 7/9: £190 - £750

AMD's Ryzen 7 and 9 series are premium processors that cater to high-end gaming and professional workloads.

The Ryzen 7 offers substantial power, especially appealing at around £580, suitable for advanced gaming and heavy multitasking.

Ryzen 9 processors, starting at higher prices (with budget options still being relatively costly), are exceptional in performance.

They’re typically pursued by users who need extreme processing power and are less concerned about budget constraints, given their high cost—even on sale.

Investing in a higher-end CPU ensures better performance and future-proofing for upcoming game releases.

These processors handle more intensive tasks and provide better performance for modern games.

Game-Specific Hardware Requirements and Costs

Let's look at the hardware requirements for the top 10 best-selling games, focusing on CPU, GPU, RAM, and motherboard. 

When delving into the hardware requirements for popular video games, both minimum and recommended specifications play crucial roles in determining the performance and gaming experience.

For example, "Hell Divers 2" can run on minimum specs like the Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X with 8 GB of RAM and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, but these settings may limit the game to lower graphical details and resolutions.

On the other hand, the recommended specs, which include more powerful CPUs and GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, provide a significantly enhanced experience with better frame rates and higher resolution.

Similarly, "COD Modern Warfare 3" and "Tekken 8" can operate on an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 with 8 GB of RAM and older GPUs like the GTX 960.

But, to truly enjoy what these games offer at higher settings, stepping up to the recommended GTX 1080Ti or RTX 2070 is advisable.

"Dragon's Dogma 2" and "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League" also show a distinct difference when moving from minimum requirements, such as the GTX 1070 for "Suicide Squad," to more robust setups that can fully leverage the game's advanced features and graphics.

For "Hogwarts Legacy," the Intel Core i5-6600 and AMD Ryzen 5 1400 paired with 16 GB of RAM and a GTX 960 or RX 470 may suffice for basic play, but a higher-end GPU will ensure a smoother and more immersive experience.

"Persona 3 Reload" and "Madden NFL 24" highlight how games with lower hardware demands still benefit from upgrades, particularly in terms of RAM and GPU, to handle more intensive gameplay moments without performance hitches.

Overall, while minimum specifications allow gamers to run these games, the recommended settings are crucial for those looking to experience games as they are meant to be seen and played, with fewer compromises on performance and visual quality.

Specification

Average Cost (USD)

Average Cost (GBP)

Average Min Spec

$308

£247

Average Min Spec + Peripherals

$1236

£975

Average Rec Spec

$581

£464

Average Rec Spec + Peripherals

$1,1512

£1193

Meeting the recommended specifications provides a significantly better gaming experience at higher resolutions and frame rates, which is critical for enjoying the latest games at their best.

How Much Do Peripherals Cost?

Essential Peripherals

Cooling Systems: £10 - £190

You can purchase a basic budget fan for as little as £10, depending on your setup requirements.

For setups that demand higher quality fans or multiple units, prices can reach approximately £60. 

At the upper mid-range, gamers might consider an All-In-One (AIO) cooling system, with prices starting at around £190.

While AIOs represent a balance between performance, convenience, and aesthetics, they are not the only high-end cooling option.

High-quality fan setups, which can sometimes exceed the cost of AIOs, offer superior cooling with multiple units.

For example, a single premium fan like the Noctua NF-F12 PWM might cost £30, but a comprehensive setup could require five or six such fans to optimise CPU cooling and overall PC airflow.

Additionally, for truly premium setups, custom hardline water cooling systems provide the ultimate cooling solution, though at a higher cost and complexity. 

Monitor/s: £220 - £540

For a basic single-screen gaming setup, you can expect to spend at least £220.

Many PC gamers prefer a dual-monitor setup, using one screen for gaming and the second for running applications like Discord, Spotify, and others.

In such cases, you only need one high-quality gaming monitor, while the second can be more budget-friendly; this mid-range setup would cost around £270. F

or a top-tier experience with two high-quality monitors, the cost would be approximately £540.

Gaming Mouse: £10 - £75

You can find a basic gaming mouse with responsive buttons and illumination for as little as £10.

A mid-range gaming mouse will typically cost up to £25. For a high-end gaming mouse, prices start at £75 and can go higher.

Keyboard: £10 - £180

At the lower end of the spectrum, you can find a gaming-branded keyboard for as little as £10.

A mid-tier gaming keyboard will cost around £50, while high-end gaming keyboards start at £180 and can increase in price from there.

In Summary

While peripherals increase the overall cost of a gaming setup, they significantly improve the gaming experience.

For example, effective cooling systems ensure your PC operates efficiently without overheating.

Dual monitors extend your visual workspace, enhancing your field of view during gameplay.

It's important to note that while gaming-branded items often look more appealing, such as a Corsair K70 keyboard compared to a standard office keyboard, they don't necessarily offer improved responsiveness over non-gaming products priced above £30.

A higher-priced gaming mouse might offer additional features like side buttons, which can be handy for quickly activating in-game abilities.

The primary appeal of a gaming keyboard is often its tactile feel and aesthetics rather than performance enhancements.

Low-quality keyboards can be uncomfortable for typing, especially over long periods, making a well-built keyboard a worthwhile investment.

Peripherals featuring RGB lighting, such as keyboards, headsets, and mice, usually carry a higher price tag than their non-RGB counterparts, despite the lighting not contributing to functional improvements.

This makes them a popular choice for gamers looking to customise the look of their setup, although it’s not essential for enhancing the gaming experience.

Hardware Price Trends Over Time

Analysis of Historical Data

Examining price trends over the past five years for key components shows a consistent rise, particularly for GPUs and CPUs.

This trend is influenced by a variety of factors including heightened demand for high-performance components and continuous advancements in gaming technology.

The global silicon shortage has also significantly impacted chipset availability, further driving up prices.

Other elements, such as corporate pricing strategies, particularly noted with companies like Intel, also play a role in the complex dynamics affecting component costs.

Consumer Perspective

The cost of owning a PC that can handle contemporary gaming standards is substantial.

For those looking to upgrade, it's essential to plan purchases carefully, seeking out deals and prioritising upgrades to align with specific gaming requirements.

Investing in the latest GPU and CPU can often provide gamers with a system capable of running new games smoothly for about five years, minimising the need for frequent updates.

Industry Trends

The hardware requirements reflect advancements in game development technologies, pushing the limits of required system specifications.

This trend indicates a continuous cycle of upgrading hardware to keep up with new releases.

Final Thoughts

Key data points and insights reveal that keeping up with the latest gaming hardware is an increasingly expensive endeavour.

The typical cost for a gaming PC setup that meets the recommended specifications for top-tier games averages around £1193.

These specifications generally target performance at 1080p and 60fps, though many gamers today aim for higher standards, such as 1440p at 144fps.

For consumers, it's essential to be well-informed about the market and component pricing, especially when considering a pre-built system.

Prices can vary significantly between suppliers, with more premium "boutique" brands like Origin PC often costing more than alternatives like CyberPower.

Investing during sales, prioritising components based on game performance needs, and considering future-proof setups can also offer long-term value without the need for frequent upgrades.

Data Sources 

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